Uriel Mendez

Uriel Mendez Fernandez serves as Business Advisor for the Cook County Small Business Source program at the Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. He provides counseling for entrepreneurs in their early process of starting a business. Additionally, he serves as a liaison with elected officials to coordinate informative sessions for the Latino community.

Uriel is currently assisting business owners in applying for the Back to Business grant, Chiz Biz program, and other assignments.

Born and raised in Mexico City, he arrived in Chicago in 2008. He has dedicated his professional career to advocating for the community. Uriel has experience working for the government, nonprofit and private sectors. He worked for 12 years for the Mexican Government in the Consulate General of Mexico in Chicago for the Department of Protection and Legal Affairs; during his time, he was in charge of International Legal Assistance and Criminal Affairs.

He is a highly dedicated and organized project manager with a diverse background and leadership experience. He is ready to oversee and manage large-scale projects from the conceptual phase through completion. He has excellent communication skills and is experienced in dealing with customers, executives, and employees.

He is passionate about finding the best way to complete the mission, and has demonstrated successful leadership of several complicated projects. His work experience and excellent leadership skills allows him to work well with internal and external partners. He is passionate about microeconomics and entrepreneurship, developing strategies to help Latino business owners achieve their full potential. He is a specialist in management solutions, government liaison, government relations, interpersonal and public communications, project development & management.

Uriel received his Bachelor’s in Law L.L.B. at the Universidad del Valle in Mexico City. His specialty is in Criminology, and has now completed and received his BACP Entrepreneur Certificate Program sponsored by the City of Chicago Department of Business Affairs & Consumer Protection.

He likes hiking and exploring places throughout the city in his free time. He loves traveling, coffee, reading a good book, and sharing his time with friends.